News Flash

New Crabbing Gear Laws from 2 April 2010

Inverted crab dillies also known as witches’ hats will be banned in Queensland from  2 April 2010.

Fisheries resource manager Mark Lightowler said the ban was in place to combat ‘ghost-fishing’ and reduce entanglement and death of non-target marine species.

“Inverted dillies are made of a light gauge mesh, which can easily entangle marine species such as turtles, sharks, rays and fish,” he said.

“It is difficult to release these species and female and undersized crabs from this mesh unharmed.

“Inverted dillies are light weight in their construction and have a tendency to drift and become lost.

“They then continue to ‘ghost-fish’ until they become buried or breakdown.”

Mr Lightowler said other types of crab pots or dillies allowed fish and unwanted crabs to be easily released unharmed.

“They are also far less likely to entrap protected marine animals such as turtles,” he said.

“The phasing out of witches’ hats was announced back in December 2008 as part of an overhaul in recreational and commercial fishing rules for inshore fisheries.

“A long lead-in period for the ban was in put in place to give both suppliers and consumers time to update their crabbing gear.

"Other crabbing apparatus including hoop dillies (sometimes called lift dillies) and crab pots can still be used.

“Fishers should also remember to mark their crab apparatus with an identifying tag bearing the owner’s surname and address.

“Individuals should not use a total of more than four items of crabbing apparatus, including any combination of crab pots or dillies per person.

“This applies if you are using crabbing gear from a boat or from the shore.”

For more information visit www.deedi.qld.gov.au

Message from Parents RE: Kids Fishing Clinics.

Hi Phil and Martin,

THANK YOU SO MUCH for a truly AWESOME day. The kids are ecstatic and have not stopped talking about fishing since they walked into the house.

We can not tell how much we appreciate your time and effort today, you have most definitely converted them into life long fishermen :) My youngest is already begging to be allowed to come to the next clinic in February (I think it is on the 21st Feb?).

Are we able to book the boys (Joel Amodeo and Lachlan Amodeo) into your next clinic in February?

Kind regards and many thanks

Sebastian and Tracey Amodeo

 

BEHIND THE SCENES ACTIONS BRANCH AND MEMBER'S ACTIVITY

Sunfish fraser coast branch

Preparation of a detailed response to the eis for the traveston crossing dam

Membership of the fraser island community advisory committee

Co-worker with hervey bay city council to bring about the provision of an all tide free boat ramp to point vernon[gatakers] including funding of $100,000 from the recreational fishery grant program

Completion with council of 4 fish cleaning facilities in the bay area and burrum heads

Initiating cooperation with qpws re the production of boaties guide to the great sandy marine park

Securing funds for purchase of a trailer for angler education projects and its completion and delivery

Securing external funding to upgrade the web page sunfish.com.au

Completed the replacement and fitting of new rod holders to the urangan pier.

Preparation of a detailed response to the proposed inshore finfish management plan.

Membership of the greater mary assn.

Photograph and provide comment on boat ramps from theodolite creek to rainbow beach

Detailed discussions with qpws regarding the gazette l of a transit way in kauri creek

A stakeholder in discussions with hervey bay council for the provision of an all tide all weather boat ramp at burrum heads

Discussions with council re provision of additional parking facilities for toogoom

Actively engaged with wide bay water regarding the proposed new regulations on lenthalls

Preparing of a detailed response to the aquaculture proposals for great sandy strait

Conducted eight angler clinics for kids and families and four days outings for disabled fishers.

Successful nomination of ray ozich, branch chairman onto the management advisory committee for the fin fish management plan

Participated in the discussions re the provision of another artificial reef in the bay

Committee took action to ensure a viable financial for the next 5 years